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Creating world changing women

Since Chatham's inception as the Pennsylvania Female College in 1869, we've carried the banner of women's leadership. Founded to provide women an education comparable to other first-class institutions of the day, Chatham has advanced this cause to foster the qualities that make women natural leaders and provide opportunities for growth as leaders at every point possible. From athletics to student groups to academic centers and students' undergraduate senior tutorials, Chatham women are encouraged to explore their passions, ask questions, and work with others to achieve their goals. The result? Chatham alumnae have gone on to become CEOs, politicians, business owners, leading cause advocates, and the founding voices for entire movements.

With this mission engrained in our culture, the legacy of women's leadership extends to our current students and beyond. The opportunities for leadership are woven throughout Chatham, and as we continue to grow as a university, our commitment to furthering women's leadership and causes will remain at the core of what a Chatham education offers.

Featured Story

As the signature event of the 50th anniversary celebration of alumna Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring," the Rachel Carson Institute at Chatham University hosted the 2012 Rachel Carson Legacy Conference on October 26 in the Eddy Theater on the Shadyside Campus. During the event, the American Chemical Society presented Chatham with a plaque that designated the Legacy of Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring" as a National Historic Chemical Landmark. The American Chemical Society's National Historic Chemical Landmarks program was established in 1992 to honor seminal achievements in the history of chemical science and technology.

"Our Planet and Our Health: The Impact of Silent Spring after 50 Years," featured panel discussions about preventing contamination of the planet and the evolution of chemistry practices throughout the past 50 years.

Carson's "Silent Spring" brought global attention to the consequences of unrestrained use of toxic pesticides such as DDT. Among the actions taken in response to her work was a ban on DDT by the newly formed Environmental Protection Agency in 1976, more than a decade after Carson's death.